Holly: February 2011 Archives

Slippers are like magic for me. I hate being barefoot (I know, the cheese stands alone on that one), and I really dislike being cold. And while I have been sewing for longer than most of my friends have been alive, for some reason, it didn't occur to me that I could make my own slippers until recently. Go figure!

I LOVED this pattern the second I saw it. The little pointed toes, the cute two-piece uppers that allow for a multitude of color combinations -- how could I not give it a whirl?

I used a cute Valentine print from Timeless Treasures and a coordinated fuchsia fleece. The soles require a non-slip fabric like Slipper Gripper. Alternately, you could give any fabric you wish a non-slip finish using Latex Milk. The pattern calls for a foam layer inserted in the sole but I opted for an extra layer of fleece and an additional layer of vinyl sandwiched into the sole assembly. I like a water-resistant bottom to my slippers!

The cutting was quick as could be (hooray for the beautiful simplicity of Kwik Sew!). The stitching was nothing crazy. the trickiest part is stitching the assembled uppers to the soles, but even that is no real brain-teaser. It just takes a little patience (I know, I say that a lot).

Here's my one big criticism, which may or may not apply to you:

The pointed toe style is NOT good on my feet. In fact, it is downright hideous. Granted, my feet, through years of abuse, have widened and flattened out to resemble an only slightly more feminine version of Fred Flintstone's paws. I ended up altering mine, which had been cut in pointed style, down to the curved style. Much better!

I adore wearing these around the house, and I actually made several pair for gift-giving at the holidays. They are fantastic for travel! They are so low-profile that they roll up and fit into the tiniest nook in a suitcase or overnight bag. I have already made another pair using Disney flannel to take on an upcoming trip to Orlando, and my husband has hinted that he would like a pair, so I may finally have an excuse to buy some Batman fabric.

This pattern would also be a great alternative for people who love to carry those extra rolled-up ballet flats in their purse or hand bag for those late nights when you want to stay at the party but can't bear to wear your heels anymore. Now you can have a pair that's custom-coordinated to your outfit. Try using a slipper satin or a satin jacquard for a luxe look. 

Here's to always having cozy toes!

I am generally an excellent resolution keeper. I try to make resolutions that are within my grasp, resolutions that will cultivate my discipline and make me a better person in the long run. Sometimes they are without a specific point (one year I folded 1000 origami cranes, just for the heck of it), and sometimes they are very focused in nature (a different year I resolved to stitch at least ten items for charity causes).

This year, I thought I had a winner. In 2011, my plan was to make all of my gifts... ahead of time. No last-minute eleventh hour baloney for me!

Ok, the first part may still hold up, but I'm already failing on the "ahead of time" portion of the goal. My father's birthday is in five days, and I have yet to start his gift. But there's a reason: my muse simply refused to do her work and give me a good idea until a couple of days ago. She's got a case of the winter doldrums, I guess.

So, time being what it is (mine tends to be pretty heavily booked), even if I decide on the fabric for said gift in the next day or so, I don't really have space in the schedule to get this one completed ahead of time.

Dad will understand; we come from a long line of late gift-givers. However, I need to find a way to reconcile my muse's laziness with my resolution, because I HATE letting go of a plan. I especially hate feeling like I have failed so early in the new year. Phooey.

How about you? Are you steadfast in your resolutions about sewing and crafting, or are you comfortable with just doing your best and not worrying about such things? Let us know!